I substitute molasses for the usual corn syrup in this version of classic pecan pie. The filling is every bit as sticky as you’d expect, and the molasses and bourbon add a deep, almost smoky flavor. Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of eggnog.
Recipe information
Yield
makes one 9-inch pie/serves 8 to 10
Ingredients
Everyday Piecrust
Preparation
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2
Combine the molasses, sugar, eggs, bourbon, butter, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl and stir to mix. Place the pecans in the bottom of the pie shell and spread evenly. Pour the molasses mixture over the pecans.
Step 3
Place the pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until firm around the edges and slightly loose in the center.
Step 4
Remove from the oven and let cool for several hours before slicing.
Everyday Piecrust
Step 5
Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl and stir to mix.
Step 6
Cut the butter and shortening into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives in a crosscutting motion until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Work quickly so the butter remains cool and doesn’t melt into the flour.
Step 7
Combine the 3 tablespoons ice water with the egg and vinegar in a separate bowl and stir to mix. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir with a fork just until the dough clumps together and is moist enough to pat together. Do not mix any more than necessary. If the dough is dry and crumbly, add more ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together; do not add so much water that the dough becomes wet or sticky.
Step 8
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and, with lightly floured hands, form into a ball. Divide the dough in half and form each piece into a flat disk. Wrap each disk in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or for up to 3 days.
Step 9
Check the pie recipe for special rolling instructions. To prepare a basic pie shell, remove the dough from the refrigerator and let sit for about 10 minutes. Place on a lightly floured work surface. Dust a rolling pin with flour and roll the dough between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. Fold the dough in half or gently roll it onto the rolling pin and lift it over the pie pan. Press the dough lightly into the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Trim the excess dough, leaving about 1 1/2 inches of dough draped over the pan. Roll the extra dough under itself to form a rim around the edge of the pan. Crimp the rim of dough with your fingers or press with the tines of a fork. Prick the bottom of the crust two or three times with a fork to create small holes.
Step 10
Cover the crust with plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 days, before proceeding with a recipe or partially or fully prebaking the crust (see Know-how, page 345).
Jam Tarts
Step 11
Start with the trimmings or one full recipe of Cornmeal Crust (page 331), Sweet Tart Crust (page 344), or Everyday Piecrust (page 341). Dust a rolling pin with flour and roll the dough between 1/8 and 1/4 inch thick. Press the dough into 2-inch tart shells and refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
Step 12
Fill each shell with about 1 teaspoon of your favorite jam and arrange on a baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator to chill completely, about 1 hour.
Step 13
When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 375°F.
Step 14
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, rotating the baking sheets halfway through, until the jam is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm or completely cooled.
